How Counselors Help Protect People During Covid-19
Posted on: 25 June 2020
Anxiety is understandable during a pandemic, and many people are very worried about the spread of COVID-19. However, this fear can cripple a person and cause a myriad of health problems, such as problems with an immune system that could increase their risk of infection. Thankfully, a counselor can help with them work through their anxiety and ensure that a person is healthy and safe.
Why Anxiety Weakens a Person's Immune System
The world is a fraught place and can be very scary to many people. For example, the rampant spread of COVID-19 has become very troublesome and worrying and may cause a person to feel a high level of anxiety as they worry that they or someone who they love may end up getting this disease. Unfortunately, enough anxiety may also open a person up to the potential for being affected this potentially deadly virus.
That's because anxiety causes the immune system to be in constant fight-or-flight mode which adversely affects the immune system by wearing out the body. As a result, a person may end up getting exposed to this virus and suffering from more debilitating reactions as a result. Therefore, it is critical for anybody with anxiety to find a way to manage it during this dangerous pandemic time.
Ways a Counselor Can Help
A good counselor is a powerful way for a person to take control of their anxiety and regain a strong and stable immune system. They help by providing a soundboard for a person's fear and are trained to help that individual see their anxiety for what it is—fear that can be controlled and used. For example, a person can learn how to use various breathing methods to stop their anxiety and avoid a panic attack.
In this way, it is possible for that person to prevent the kind of immune system compromise that could open them up to COVID-19. Just as importantly, this type of treatment also helps them to stay strong in the face of other anxieties in life, such as job troubles caused by this disease, various types of personal problems that may develop, and other concerns that trouble them in these challenging times.
Regular visits to a counselor may be a challenge during this pandemic, though, so it may be important to either schedule visits well in advance or to find a professional who can provide distance-based treatments via telehealth communication.
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